After two years of political crisis, Pakistan cast its ballots in the general elections on 8 February 2024. Defying all odds, independent candidates supported by the jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s PTI won the largest number of seats. Yet, the two other major leading parties – PML(N) and PPP – have joined hands to establish a coalition government. This election – its planning, turnout as well as the outcome – has surprised many.
Join us for an event featuring leaders from the PTI, PML(N) and PPP as we delve into Pakistan's recent elections, exploring expectations, realities, and the path forward. Former Ministers Hammad Azhar (PTI), Palwasha Khan (PPP), Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar (PPP) and Ahsan Iqbal (PML(N)) will be joined by expert commentators Professor Adeel Malik and Professor Maya Tudor.
This event is co-hosted by the Oxford South Asian Society.
Speakers
Hammad Azhar (PTI) is a prominent Pakistani politician currently serving as the Secretary General and Acting President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the province of Punjab. He secured his position in the National Assembly from Lahore's NA-126 constituency during the 2018 general elections, representing PTI. In addition to his parliamentary role, Mr Azhar held the dual responsibilities of the Energy Ministry and Economic Affairs. He is a graduate in Development Economics from the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies and holds a law diploma from the BPP Law School in London. Having pursued the Bar Vocational Course in 2004, he was formally called to the Bar at The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn in 2005.
Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar (PPP) is a former senator and human rights activist from Pakistan. He served as a member of the Senate of Pakistan from 2018 to 2022, representing the Pakistan Peoples Party. He also served as an adviser to the prime minister on human rights from 2011 to 2013.
Palwasha Khan (PPP) is a Pakistani politician, who is a Senator and served as a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan.
Ahsan Iqbal (PML(N)) is a senior Pakistani politician and the Secretary General of the Pakistan Muslim League (N). During the PMLN government's tenure from 2017 to May 2018, he held key ministerial positions, serving as the Minister for Interior and the Minister for Planning, Development, and Reforms. A dedicated leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), he has played pivotal roles in various ministries, including Planning, Education, and Minorities. In the last government, he served as the federal minister for planning and development. He is a graduate of The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
